Counter-tenor James Bowman has died aged 81

English counter-tenor James Bowman has died aged 81. Bowman died on 27 March, prompting hundreds of tributes from across the classical music industry.

Bowman’s career, which spanned five decades and embraced opera, oratorio, contemporary music and solo recitals, saw him make over 180 recordings with all major record labels and give the world premieres of important contemporary music including works by Benjamin Britten, Michael Tippett, Peter Maxwell Davies, Richard Rodney Bennett, Robin Holloway and Michael Nyman.

The King's Singers, who worked with Bowman at the start of his career, described him as: ‘A man who did so much for the countertenor voice. He both recounted and generated anecdotes like almost no other. He will also forever be part of the story of our group: he made an appearance as our first countertenor in 1969.’

Born James Thomas Bowman in Oxford in November 1941, he began singing as a chorister at Ely Cathedral before going on to study Education and History at New College, Oxford, where he was a member of the New College and Christ Church choirs. Bowman gave his London debut at the opening concert of the Queen Elizabeth Hall in March 1967 on the invitation of Benjamin Britten after auditioning for Britten's English Opera Group.

This performance set Bowman on a successful career path, appearing in Sadler’s Wells 1967 performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream before becoming the first countertenor ever to sing at Glyndebourne in 1970. After this he appeared in the English National Opera’s 1971 production of Semele, then in the Royal Opera House’s production of Taverner the following year.

In the 1960 Bowman also met British musician and early music historian David Munrow and was invited to join his Early Music Consort of London. Bowman performed with the group at its inaugural concert at the Barber Institute of Fine Arts in Birmingham. This collaboration led to many recordings and tours.

Bowman has appeared at major opera houses across the globe including La Scala Milan, Amsterdam, Paris, Aix-en-Provence, Sydney, Verona, Vienna, Strasbourg, Sante Fe, Dallas and San Francisco. In Paris, Bowman’s performances at L’Opéra, L’Opéra Comique and Théatre des Champs Elysées clearly making an impact as, in 1992 the French Government honoured him with admission to L'ordre des Arts et des Lettres. He also received the Medal of Honour of the City of Paris, in recognition of his contribution to the city’s musical life.

Bowman’s other accolades include an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Music from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne (received May 1996). As well as holding the role of president of the Holst Singers, Bowman was also made an Honorary Fellow of New College, Oxford in November 1998 and received a CBE in the Queen's birthday honours list in June 1997

Bowman celebrated the 25th anniversary of his career in 1992 with sold-out concerts at the Palais Garnier and St John's, Smith Square. In May 2011 he gave his retirement recital at London’s Wigmore Hall with harpsichordist Mahan Esfahani.

Soprano and Classic FM presenter Catherine Bott said: ‘James was a joy to sing with because along with the artistry and professionalism, there was always fun. One of the highlights of my singing career was the duo recital programme we devised together, and when we sang at my old school it was a pleasure to show him the music room where I had first heard his voice on record – a moment that was to influence my whole career.’